This was a return trip to Mazama Ridge nearly one year exactly after my
first trip. Weather was fantastic. Company...the best.

We figured the gate up to Paradise might not open until 10am so the plan
had Gwen, Jim and I meeting at the SE8th P&R at 7:45am. We met, packed
our junk into the back of Gwen's Subie and then off we were. Low hanging
fog/clouds nearly the whole drive to the park. Hmm...better lift by the
time we get started. Sure enough, the gate was open, the skies were
blue, and we parked in the upper lots at Paradise. Wouldn't be much
longer with this nice weather, that spots would remain empty and parking
would be diverted to the lower lot. Lots of people out. Skiers,
snowboarders, splitboarders, sledders, snowshoers...there is something
for everyone here.

We left the parking lot at the SE end heading up a patch that is
groomed. This takes you off to the road that circles around the head of
the Paradise Valley. The beated in track was wide at first, then
narrowed to two "lanes" and then those lanes merged into one well beat
in multi-use track (snowshoe and ski). It circles around the head of the
valley and at about 3/4 mile from the parking lot we followed the track
heading up the ridge. Blue skies...wow. Such a nice change. Not really
all that windy. Temps were predicted to be near freezing but with the
bright sun reflecting off the snow, it felt 15 degrees warmer. I
*almost* wish I had a short sleeve shirt. Almost...

We headed up. The trail is really moderate the whole way. We reached the
ridge about 1.25mi from the car. First...head for the bump. Seemed like
a nice spot to stop and have lunch. A couple of slipboarders came up
after us eyeing some lines down towards Stevens Creek. As we left the
bump, a couple more snowshoers were arrving. Now time to just roam, and
roam, and roam. We decided to head north and then eventually NE towards
Pt6252. Eventually we could see all three volcanoes...Adams, St Helens,
and of course...Mt Rainier.

Eventually we decided to backtrack and head back out towards the car.
Gwen suggested a slightly different route out. Good suggestion. We
somehow manages to miss the screaming obvious track that headed back
down the ridge, oops. Too much oogling I say. It just gave us the chance
to walk a bit more and enjoy the views. I love heading downhill on
showshoes in fresh snow but I just wish I could still run while doing
it. Oh well, it is nice enough just to be out. We crossed the creek on a
great snowbridge, traversed around high for just a bit, and then dropped
back down to the road aiming for the hairpin turn. Then the fun road
walk back up to the car.

What a great birthday snowshoe. Thanks Jim and Gwen...a good day with
great friends. There isn't anything better.